March Stop the Madness charity basketball game opens reporter's eyes to caring community

Professional boxers Purnell Gates, left, and Jordan Shimmell, right, show MLive reporter Cory Olsen, center, some love after beating his team during the March Stop the Madness charity basketball game Saturday at Creston High School.Courtesy Photo

Former West Michigan basketball standouts and even a couple professional boxers played to a couple hundred fans in a thrilling game that ended with the buzzer-beating game winning shot.

It shouldn't have been that close.

Once again, I took part in a physical event that I truthfully wasn't qualified to be in. Generally, sports reporters should stick to doing what they do best - watching others. Yet I found myself unable to turn down an invitation to play from Grand Rapids boxer Purnell Gates.

My main concern headed into the game was not how well I could shoot, but if I could simply keep up. I've covered a number of the players who participated in the game, and I know the speed and agility they possess. My goal was to try and not get in the way of the play.

Our team "Team Lacy Jones Promotions" wore red shirts and my first shift on the court started out harmless enough until someone with a black shirt (Team GoSoHard Entertainment) decided to rip the ball from my hands underneath the basket.

Turnover.

Looking to make up for my mistake, I hustled down to play defense and could only watch as a shot arched over my head and in for three points. Running back down the court to play offense, I collided with a teammate who was crossing in front of me and we both went to the floor.

I lost my shoe and a little dignity, but as the play pressed on, I secured my footwear and got back in the mix.

Not the productive time on the court I had hoped for.

Our team led the whole game as players like Kevin Little, Adam Chrisco and Erich Walton made the shots, but little by little, our opponents trimmed our lead away. With two minutes left in the game, I went back in and knew I needed to make a bigger impact and I was given that opportunity.

As a loose ball came my way under the basket I grabbed hold of it, determined not to let anyone rip it from my hands again. They tried but fouled me instead. The ref sent me to the free throw line for two shots with just over a minute left in the game and I missed them both.

Did I mention that we lost by two points?

The larger point of the game was to show the good that can come from the community of Grand Rapids being together and playing together.

That point shined brightly as 3rd and 4th grade basketball players entertained the crowd at the start of the event, and as Tahj G spoke about the impact we can have as people to keep our children safe from the violence they face on the streets.

Proceeds from the event are going to benefit the Hip-Hop Coalition, an organization dedicated to helping inner-city youth find their potential and guide them to a path of success.

The participants and fans at Creston High School Saturday raised money to benefit the children of Grand Rapids.